Shipping goods internationally to Mexico requires dependable and efficient logistics. Your products must arrive safely and on time. Selecting the right transportation solution is crucial for optimizing your supply chain and controlling costs, whether you’re sending urgent shipments by air or large volumes by ocean freight. Our reliable air and ocean freight services cater to the diverse shipping needs of businesses shipping to Mexico. We offer flexible options, competitive rates, and expert support throughout the entire process.
Ocean Freight Shipping To Mexico
Mexico plays a vital role in global maritime trade, and we’re proud to offer professional, efficient ocean freight solutions to meet your shipping needs. As a trusted logistics provider, we offer a wide range of maritime services—including door-to-door, door-to-port, and port-to-port delivery—to ensure flexible and reliable transport.
Our ocean freight services include:
- Roll-on / Roll-off (RoRo): Best suited for vehicles and heavy equipment, RoRo service allows your cargo to be driven directly onto the vessel. It’s a simple, efficient, and budget-friendly option for moving mobile machinery and automobiles.
- Full Container Load (FCL): Ideal for large-volume shipments, FCL provides exclusive use of an entire container. It’s the most secure and cost-effective option for high-volume cargo, providing maximum protection during transit.
- Less than Container Load (LCL): If your shipment doesn’t fill a full container, our LCL service allows you to share space with other cargo, significantly reducing costs while maintaining reliable delivery.
- Breakbulk / Project CargoFor oversized or heavy cargo that doesn’t fit in standard containers, we offer tailored breakbulk solutions. These shipments are handled separately to ensure safe and compliant transport.
Container Shipping To Mexico
Whether you’re shipping a full container or just a few pallets, we provide flexible container shipping solutions tailored to your cargo size, type, and urgency. From FCL to LCL services, our team ensures your goods move efficiently and securely to Mexico through the most suitable transport option.
The most common standard dry container types include:
- 20-foot standard container (20′ GP): has an internal capacity of about 28-30 cubic meters.
- 40-foot standard container (40′ GP): has an internal capacity of about 58-60 cubic meters.
- 40-foot high cube (40′ HQ): About 1 foot taller than the 40′ GP, this cube has an internal capacity of about 68-70 cubic meters and is suitable for bulky but lightweight goods.
| Container Type | External Dimensions (L×W×H) | Internal Dimensions (L×W×H) | Volume | Max Payload | Tare Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20GP | 6.06 m × 2.44 m × 2.59 m | 5.90 m × 2.35 m × 2.39 m | 28-30 m³ | 24,000 kg | 2,300 kg |
| 40GP | 12.19 m × 2.44 m × 2.59 m | 12.03 m × 2.35 m × 2.39 m | 58-60m³ | 30,480 kg | 3,700 kg |
| 40HQ | 12.19 m × 2.44 m × 2.89 m | 12.03 m × 2.35 m × 2.69 m | 68-70 m³ | 30,480 kg | 4,100 kg |
- Other special container types include reefers (refrigerated containers) for transporting goods that require temperature control, open-top containers for extremely high goods, and flat rack containers for oversized or heavy goods.
Regular Air Freight Services To Mexico
Thanks to our extensive network of air freight carriers, we offer daily and weekly flights to major airports across Mexico, including Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Querétaro, Toluca, Cancún, Tijuana, and Hermosillo. Our flexible shipping options include airport-to-airport, airport-to-door, and door-to-airport services to meet your specific needs.
We provide safe and reliable air freight solutions for all your shipments to Mexico, specializing in high-value and time-sensitive cargo. From pickup to final delivery, we manage your shipments every step of the way, ensuring seamless coordination throughout the entire logistics process.
Required Documents for Shipping to Mexico
When you ship internationally, there are certain documents you must include and fill out correctly. These documents include:
- Pedimento de Importación (Customs Declaration Form): The core document for customs clearance, required for all commercial shipments.
- Commercial Invoice: Must be in Spanish and include detailed information about the goods, their value, and the buyer and seller.
- Packing List: Provides a comprehensive breakdown of the shipment’s contents, weight, and dimensions.
- Bill of Lading (BOL) or Air Waybill: Legal document between the shipper and carrier, detailing the transportation and receipt of goods.
- Certificate of Origin: Required if seeking preferential tariff treatment under agreements like USMCA.
- Permits and Licenses: Certain goods (e.g., food, chemicals, electronics, medical devices) may require additional licenses or certificates from relevant Mexican authorities.
- Importer/Consignee Tax ID: As of October 2024, all shipments must include the recipient’s tax ID on the shipping label and customs forms.
- Identification and Classification of Goods: Goods must be classified using the Harmonized System (HS) code, and detailed descriptions are mandatory. Vague terms like “miscellaneous” or “clothes” are not acceptable and may cause delays or extra inspections.
Prohibited Items when Freight Shipping to Mexico
When shipping freight to Mexico, it’s crucial to be aware of the items that are prohibited from importation. Shipping these items can lead to delays, fines, or even legal issues. Here’s a rundown of the key prohibited items when shipping freight to Mexico:
Prohibited Items
- Firearms and Ammunition: This includes any weapon, firearm, or related accessories.
- Illegal Substances: Narcotics or drugs of any kind that are illegal in Mexico.
- Pornographic Material: This includes any form of pornography or material deemed offensive.
- Live Animals: Most live animals and animal products, including fruits and vegetables, are strictly prohibited.
- Precious Metals: Gold, silver, and other precious metals cannot be shipped.
- Specific Types of Food: Certain products, such as meats and animal products that can carry diseases, are prohibited.
- Toxic and Dangerous Materials: This includes hazardous waste and any materials that pose a risk to health or the environment.
- Used Clothing: Shipping used clothes that are not part of personal luggage can lead to issues.
- Images: Images that may degrade or ridicule children are restricted.
Restricted Items
While not wholly prohibited, some items require special permits or adherence to regulations:
- Alcohol and tobacco products
- Most kitchen appliances (limited quantities allowed)
- Certain animal products and processed foods
- Medical devices (must have approvals and registrations)
How to Make Sure Your Shipment to Mexico Goes Smoothly
To ensure that your shipment to Mexico goes smoothly, here are some essential tips:
1. Choose the Right Shipping Partner
Select a reputable freight forwarder or shipping company with experience in cross-border shipping. Look for positive reviews, transparent pricing, and customer support options. A knowledgeable partner can help navigate customs and logistics.
2. Prepare Accurate Documentation
Correct documentation is critical for a smooth shipping process. Key documents include:
- Commercial Invoice: A detailed list of items, their values, and descriptions.
- Bill of Lading: A contract detailing the terms between the shipper and the carrier.
- Packing List: Summarizes the contents of the shipment.
Double-check that all documents match to avoid customs delays.
3. Understand Customs Regulations
Familiarize yourself with Mexico’s customs requirements. Know which items are prohibited or restricted and understand any import duties or taxes that may apply. Some items may require specific permits, such as food or certain types of electronics.
4. Provide Clear Shipping Details
Ensure the recipient’s address in Mexico is accurate and complete, including apartment numbers and local contact numbers. Small mistakes can lead to delays or misdeliveries.
5. Use Proper Packaging
Invest in quality packaging materials to protect your items during transit. This is especially important for fragile goods. Properly sealed packages with clear labels reduce the risk of damage or customs inspections.
6. Choose the Right Shipping Method
Select the shipping method based on the urgency and cost. While air freight is faster, sea freight is often more economical for larger shipments. Consider your timeline and budget when making this choice.
7. Track Your Shipment
Utilize tracking services provided by your shipping partner. Keeping an eye on your package allows you to respond quickly to any issues that may arise during transit.
8. Communicate with Your Forwarder
Maintain open communication with your shipping provider to get updates and assistance throughout the shipping process. This proactive approach can help prevent potential issues.
9. Avoid Peak Shipping Seasons
Avoid shipping during busy peak seasons (like holidays) when delays are more likely. If shipping during such times is unavoidable, consider using expedited services.
Hongocean: Your Trusted Partner for International Shipping from Mexico
Choosing the correct port in Mexico is a crucial step that directly affects the efficiency and reliability of your international supply chain and import operations. However, that’s just the beginning—ensuring smooth and efficient shipping logistics is equally important.
With Hongocean, you can quickly compare competitive shipping rates and easily book both air and ocean freight services, including Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL) options.
To support effective risk management, we provide advanced shipment tracking tools and cargo insurance to help protect your goods throughout transit. We also offer pre-shipment inspections to verify product quality and ensure compliance with the standards of your destination country.
Customs clearance is hassle-free, with our expert team managing all compliance and documentation on your behalf. After clearance, we coordinate final delivery to help guarantee your cargo arrives on time without unnecessary delays.
At Hongocean, your success is our priority. That’s why we offer 24/7 customer support, with a dedicated team ready to assist whenever you need us.
